Deadly wildfires have devastated parts of Southern California, and the danger is far from over he predicted windier weather and red flag warnings extended through Wednesday.
Emergency vet Stevie Aitken She shared some tips for taking care of pets in such emergencies with ABC News.
How to prepare for wildfires as a pet owner, as well as how to help your animal friends cope with the aftermath.
A man was able to get his dog in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on January 7, 2025, when he evacuated the Palisades fire.
Jill Connelly/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Wildsute pet safety tips
Aitken offered the following advice to pet owners:
- Keep pets indoors as much as possible. Smoke and ash are as harmful to humans as they are to animals. If the dogs will go to the bathroom on vacuum cleaners indoors, “even better,” Aitken said.
- Clean the barriers after outdoor walks with a wet cloth or baby wipes to prevent pets from licking soot off their feet after they get inside.
- Doggles (dog glasses) can be purchased to prevent irritants from getting into a pet’s eyes when outside.
- Dog masks can also be purchased to reduce the amount of irritants and smoke inhaled.
As the American Veterinary Medical Association warns, “birds are particularly susceptible and should not be left outside when smoke or particulates are present.”
Aitken also explains what to include when packing a go bag for your pet:
- Have seven days of food and food and water containers.
- Collect all the medications.
- Get a well-fitting harness, collar and leash (ideally with a name tag updated with your contact information) and, if possible, attach an AirTag. “The last thing you want is for your pet to slip out of a collar or harness. If possible, ditch retractable leashes and opt for a sturdy 6-foot leash to prevent pets from having wide access in dangerous situations,” Aitken said.
- Collect some current photos of pets, and they will help others when you are separated.
- Bring recent medical records if your pet needs to be in a shelter or clinic away from you.
- Always transport cats and small pets (such as guinea pigs or rabbits) in pet carriers.
It’s important to make sure pets’ microchip information is recorded and up-to-date, the emergency vet told ABC News.
The AVMA also shared tips for identifying a pet struggling with smoke and ash.
He listed the following signs that a pet may be at risk from smoke exposure:
- Cough or rabies
- Red or watery eyes, runny nose, sore throat or mouth, or cravings for hard foods
- Breathing problems, including open-mouth breathing, increased breathing noises, or rapid breathing
- Fatigue or weakness, disorientation, unsteady gait, stumbling
- Reduce hunger or thirst
The AVMA said pet owners should call a veterinarian or seek help if a pet experiences any of these symptoms.
ABC News’ Jade Coburn contributed to this report.
